Major leaders from the Yangtze River Delta gathered in Wenzhou, Zhejiang from June 5 to 6 for a pivotal symposium. The event, themed \"Writing a New Chapter in the Integration of the Yangtze River Delta and Being the Pioneer of Chinese-style Modernization,\" focused on shaping the region's future development and sending a powerful message of unity and collaboration. 🤝
Since being designated a national strategy, the integration of the Yangtze River Delta has deepened, enhancing regional cooperation and making it one of China's most dynamic economic hubs. In the first quarter of 2024, the region's economy hit a staggering 7.4 trillion yuan ($1.02 trillion), accounting for about 25% of the national total. 📈
At the symposium, leaders emphasized the strategic vision of \"one pole, three zones, and one highland,\" aiming to drive development across other regions by leveraging the strengths of each area and boosting cross-province and cross-city collaborations. This strategy solidifies the Yangtze River Delta's role as a key growth driver.
The region is also set to make significant strides in scientific and technological innovation. With robust capabilities in integrated circuits, biomedicine, and artificial intelligence, the Yangtze River Delta leads nationally in these sectors. The area boasts an R&D investment intensity of 3.23%, nearly 0.7 percentage points above the national average. 💡
Looking ahead, the Yangtze River Delta plans to enhance its original technological innovation capabilities, build a globally competitive innovation ecosystem, and advance the construction of a digital hub. These initiatives aim to foster new quality productive forces and maintain the region's leadership in modernization.
Opening up to the world remains a key focus. In 2023, the delta's import and export value reached 15.16 trillion yuan, making up 36.3% of the national total. Foreign investment has surged, with 30 new foreign-funded R&D centers established in Shanghai and an 85.8% growth in foreign investment in Zhejiang's manufacturing sector. 🌐
Future efforts will concentrate on institutional opening up, expanding market access, and building a dual-circulation strategic hub. These steps will enhance the Yangtze River Delta's competitiveness in international arenas and foster high-level coordinated development.
The symposium concluded with a reaffirmed commitment to align with national strategies and lead the way in Chinese-style modernization. The Yangtze River Delta is poised to achieve greater breakthroughs and maintain its status as a powerhouse of economic and technological growth. 🚀
